The poignant and heartwarming story of Amahl, a disabled boy who can walk only with a crutch and has a problem with telling tall tales, is the next production of Opera Fort Collins.

The company will present "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, in Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts.

The action takes place near Bethlehem just after the birth of Jesus Christ as Amahl is sitting outside playing his shepherd's pipe when his mother calls for him. Eventually he responds, entering the house, excitedly describing an amazing star "as big as a window" outside over their roof.

Tickets: $28 adults and $12 children 17 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the UCA Box Office, 491-2787, or csuartstickets.com.

After bedtime that night, there is a knock at the door and the mother sends Amahl to see who it is. He is amazed when he sees three splendidly dressed kings, and his mother is stunned when she goes to see for herself.

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Of course, the three kings are the Magi, who have also seen and followed the big star in the sky. They say they seek a special child to present gifts to him and that the star has been leading them on their long journey. They ask if they can rest at their house, and it is arranged for them to stay.

Through the course of one evening, lives are forever transformed by the Magi's generosity, a mother's hospitality, and one little boy's tremendous leap of faith.

Stunning music, beautiful costumes, dancing, laughter, and an inspiring story will delight audiences of all ages.

The first opera specifically composed for television in America, "Amahl and the Night Visitors" is a one-act opera written by Gian Carlo Menotti and commissioned by NBC.

It was first performed on Dec. 24, 1951, in New York City at the NBC studios with Arturo Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony. Later it was broadcast live as the debut production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.

The local production features guest conductor Glenn Cortese conducting the Fort Collins Symphony. The cast includes Nathaniel Braswell cast as Amahl; Nathan Snyder, King Kaspar; Revere Taylor, King Melchior; and Anna Christine Wolwood, the Mother.

"This fully staged one hour opera is a perfect way to introduce children to the wonders of a live musical production," said Vicki Fogel Mykles, Opera Fort Collins executive director.